“Don’t move.”

The Left Protector’s smile didn’t change, but in his eyes was a sharp killing intent.

“I know Young Master Gu has formidable skills and is very fearful inside. If you move recklessly, I will have no choice but to strike first, and you’ll have to suffer.”

Gu Qingyan swallowed hard.

Today his neck had already suffered a great ordeal—why did everyone seem to have a grudge against his neck?

At this moment, the transparent silk thread hanging over his neck gleamed coldly, giving off a dangerous vibe.

“Can you loosen it a bit? I’m about to suffocate.”

Just as Gu Qingyan was about to move, a voice stopped him:

“Young Master Gu, be careful. The golden silkworm silk is as thin as a cicada’s wing, but it carries a sudden poison that seals wounds on contact.”

“Are you trying to test how tough your life really is?”

Gu Qingyan raised both hands, truly afraid to move this time.

A small scratch could kill him; he couldn’t afford to waste his points like that.

“Much better when you’re obedient,” the Left Protector said with satisfaction.

Gu Qingyan searched desperately for a way to save himself.

The “Prince’s Possession” skill was still cooling down.

He had weapons in his system, but he couldn’t move at all—no chance to fight back.

Even the Chihu Seal was still on Pei Xuan.

Zhang Nian and Xia Liu were right outside the door, and Pei Xuan was on his way back; they just needed to stall until they found out.

Gu Qingyan immediately adopted his most cooperative posture.

“Don’t kill me. Whatever you want to know, I can tell you.”

The Left Protector chuckled lightly.

“You sly little fox, do you think I’ll still be fooled?”

Gu Qingyan put on a pitiful face.

“If I tell you, it’s not right; if I don’t, it’s not right either. Are you going to beat me first and then ask if I’ll talk? If you want me to confess, at least ask first.”

The Left Protector twirled his finger and moved closer to Gu Qingyan.

The transparent silkworm thread wound around his fingertip, looking extremely fragile.

Gu Qingyan couldn’t help but shout, “Stop playing around, be careful! My life is hanging on that thread!”

The Left Protector was amused.

“Don’t worry, my hands are steady.”

“You’re strange. I really can’t figure this out. You were able to go toe-to-toe with me just now, so why are you not moving now?”

“Could it be that your strange technique can’t withstand repeated use?”

Gu Qingyan’s heart jumped wildly—how did he guess?

The Left Protector chuckled.

“There are many strange things in this world; naturally, I’ve seen more than you. Good—it saves me a lot of effort.”

“Tell me, why is Pei Xuan still alive?”

Gu Qingyan’s face turned even more bitter.

“Brother, I really don’t know. Your Taiping Sect is always so mysterious. You wave a broken flute around and think that can kill someone? You seem smart but are so superstitious and backward.”

“Looks like you want to die!” The Left Protector’s murderous intent surged.

Gu Qingyan cried out, “I really don’t know.”

“Brother, you’re my ancestor. How could I dare to plot behind your back? You saw the situation yourself—Pei Xuan lost his mind at first, but then suddenly got better.”

Gu Qingyan knew deep down it was probably the effect of the Chihu Seal.

The Chihu Seal could detoxify, so it must suppress all sorts of strange bugs.

But how could he say that outright? He just begged, “I’m just an ordinary commoner; how would I know about your affairs? Maybe the flute you played was wrong, that little flute was broken, so it failed?”

“Anyway, shortly after you left, Pei Xuan killed the remaining assassins and got better on his own.”

“Really, if I’m lying, may I be struck by lightning.”

The Left Protector squinted suspiciously at Gu Qingyan.

The latter’s eyes were wet and clear, looking exactly like a naive scholar spilling everything out of fear.

Could it really have nothing to do with him?

Gu Qingyan showed his most sincere expression.

“Brother Left Protector, you are a man of iron will in the Taiping Sect. Don’t always shout about fighting and killing, alright? If your Taiping Sect wants to prosper, you have to take the path of the masses. Otherwise, what can just a few people do?”

“Oh? Then tell me, how do you walk the path of the masses to prosper?” The Left Protector asked with curiosity.

Gu Qingyan immediately launched into a long explanation.

“First learn Taoism’s ‘go with the flow,’ then Buddhism’s ‘karma cycle,’ help believers solve their troubles regularly, and if that’s not enough, just give the old men and women some eggs. Within a month, the Taiping Sect’s followers will quadruple.”

“Give eggs…” The Left Protector looked at him and suddenly smiled.

But his smile seemed like a human mask—skin smiling but not heart—sinister and terrifying.

“Small favors are indeed the best method of preaching. But Young Master Gu, don’t you know the Taiping Sect is a heresy? Once discovered by the court, the followers will be immediately hanged on the spot.”

Gu Qingyan’s eyes widened.

“There’s such a thing?”

“Left Protector, isn’t it that your ways are too cruel? I’m not saying this to blame you, but how many innocent people did you kill back in the mountain stronghold? How many families were destroyed?”

“Such things can’t be done. Once word gets out, everyone will say the Taiping Sect is bad. Who would still believe in you?”

Before he finished, he saw the Left Protector’s sinister eyes staring coldly at him.

It seemed if he kept babbling nonsense, he would be killed on the spot.

Gu Qingyan dared not say more.

“Left Protector, I’m willing to join the Taiping Sect.”

“Believe in Taiping, and you’ll have eternal life. From now on, if Left Protector tells me to go east, I won’t go west.” I’ll go north.

The Left Protector raised an eyebrow and leaned in to look at him.

They could feel each other’s breath.

Gu Qingyan’s only feeling was that this guy looked ice-cold—even his breathing was ice-cold.

Is he really alive?

“Really, you’re willing to become a disciple of the Taiping Sect?” the Left Protector asked with a smile.

His fingers brushed over Gu Qingyan’s cheek and landed on his lips. “Smooth talker, I don’t believe you.”

Gu Qingyan shivered. That finger felt like a venomous snake, ready to strike at any moment.

“I swear, it really couldn’t be more true.”

The Left Protector chuckled.

His fingers lingered on Gu Qingyan’s cheek. “Why are you immune to the Burning Sound?”

Gu Qingyan blinked. “Burning Sound? Isn’t it Brahman Sound? Left Protector, did you say it wrong?”

At these words, the Left Protector withdrew his finger. Gu Qingyan really knew nothing.

“If you swallow it, I’ll temporarily believe your nonsense.”

A crimson bead pressed against Gu Qingyan’s lips.

His eyes widened slightly; just by its color, he knew this was definitely no good thing.

“Be good. Swallow it, and I’ll spare you this time.”

The Left Protector gently pushed it in, wearing a half-smile as he looked at him. “Otherwise, this day next year will be your death anniversary. Since you’re entertaining, I’ll burn paper money for you.”

Gu Qingyan closed his eyes, then opened his mouth, letting him push the bead into his mouth.

“Very good.”

Once the bead was swallowed, the Left Protector stepped back a few paces and retracted the silken thread.

Gu Qingyan covered his mouth. “What did you make me eat?”

“It’s a good thing. It can keep you youthful, immortal,” the Left Protector said with a smile.

Gu Qingyan grew even more nervous; that sounded even scarier.

His terrified expression amused the Left Protector, making his strange smile look a little more genuine.

“He’s back. I’ll come find you again.”

Before Gu Qingyan could react, the Left Protector suddenly disappeared.

As soon as he left, Gu Qingyan spat repeatedly, spewing a mouthful of saliva.

Wiping his mouth, Gu Qingyan took out a small box from the system.

Opening it, there was the crimson bead.

“Good thing I reacted quickly.” The moment it entered his mouth, he had immediately thrown it into the Traveling Mountain Device.

Otherwise, if that thing went down, it might hatch worms that would burrow through his organs and guts.

“Brother Gu, Lord Pei is back,” Zhang Nian called from the door.

Gu Qingyan hesitated for a moment but put the item away first.

He trusted Pei Xuan but not the Pei Xuan of now.

Opening the map, Pei Xuan’s coordinates indeed overlapped with his own, both inside the residence.

But still marked in black.

Gu Qingyan frowned and opened the door to step outside.

A strong stench of blood hit him immediately. Everyone, including Pei Xuan, had bloodstained hems on their clothes.

Pei Xuan’s expression was calm as he issued orders: “Send the magistrate of Qingzhou to handle the aftermath. The Taiping Sect operates under his watch, yet he knows nothing—this is dereliction of duty.”

“Yes,” someone replied immediately.

Zhang Huaimin followed closely behind Pei Xuan with a stern face.

After things were settled, Pei Xuan turned to Gu Qingyan, his gaze lingering briefly on his neck.

He took a few steps forward, voice cold: “What happened?”

“That Left Protector came looking for me. He almost killed me just now. Seems he fled after hearing your movement.”

Gu Qingyan didn’t expect Pei Xuan to find out so quickly. Hesitating, he told the truth.

“What? He dared come here again?” Zhang Huaimin immediately started a search.

Pei Xuan’s brows furrowed tighter. He lifted Gu Qingyan’s chin to examine the wound. Fortunately, it was only a red mark, no break in the skin.

“I’m fine,” Gu Qingyan said awkwardly.

Pei Xuan didn’t let go. “What else did he do?”

Before Gu Qingyan could answer, Zhang Huaimin returned with others.

“My lord, he’s already fled.”

Pei Xuan barked coldly, “Then search the entire city. No mercy.”

Zhang Huaimin dared not argue.

“Come with me.” Pei Xuan grabbed Gu Qingyan’s hand and led him inside.

Zhang Nian hurried two steps after but was stopped.

Xia Liu pulled her into the courtyard. “My lord has things to discuss with Young Master Gu. What are you following for? Use some discretion.”

“But Lord Pei looks unwell. What if he frightens my young master?” Zhang Nian worried.

Xia Liu sighed helplessly. “Lord Pei truly cares for Young Master Gu. He won’t scare him.”

Hearing that, Zhang Nian felt slightly reassured.

Unbeknownst to her, inside the room, Gu Qingyan’s heart was pounding so hard he felt it might leap out of his throat.

Once inside, Pei Xuan immediately closed the door.

Then he turned and said, “Take off your clothes.”

Gu Qingyan suspected he misheard. “What?”

Pei Xuan repeated, “Take off your clothes.”

Gu Qingyan didn’t know whether to look shocked like a virtuous woman confronted by a libertine, or outraged at the insult.

In the end, he clutched his collar tightly. “Are you crazy?”

“Take them off.”

“You do it if you want to, but I’m not taking mine off.”

Pei Xuan actually paused for a moment, then said, “I can take mine off first.”

And then he really began removing his outer clothes neatly.

Gu Qingyan quickly stopped him. “Wait, what exactly do you want to do? Why do you want me to take off my clothes as soon as I walk in?”

Whether it was the old Pei Xuan or the current one, he wouldn’t do something like this without a reason.

On this point, Gu Qingyan chose to trust he must have a reason.

Pei Xuan stopped pulling at his belt and said, “The Left Protector of the Taiping Sect is skilled in the art of gu (poisonous insects) and sorcery. It is said he can secretly cast gu curses on people without anyone noticing. Once the gu insect enters the heart, there’s no cure.”

This scared Gu Qingyan so much he shivered.

“Is that for real? Are there really gu insects in the world? Can they be that powerful?” He realized he needed to hurry up and start earning points quickly.

Pei Xuan nodded. “I have to check you thoroughly from head to toe to make sure you haven’t been cursed.”

Gu Qingyan thought of that strange scarlet bead. “I haven’t.”

“That’s not for you to say.” Pei Xuan pulled open his belt. “I need to check personally.”

“We’re both men, no need to be shy. We can be completely open with each other.”

Gu Qingyan couldn’t help himself and gave him a hard kick in the leg.

Pei Xuan hissed in pain.

Only then did Gu Qingyan realize he had kicked an old wound.

He felt guilty for a moment, but thinking of what Pei Xuan said earlier, he said confidently, “I said I don’t have it, so I don’t. No need to strip me to check.”

Pei Xuan looked at him, his eyes deep and unfathomable. “Before the gu insect activates, you won’t feel anything at all.”

“I need to make sure you’re safe.”

Pei Xuan didn’t want to tell this person in front of him that one of his former subordinates had been cursed by a gu insect, silently and without warning becoming a puppet for the enemy.

He absolutely did not want this lively, talkative, even feisty young man before him to become a puppet.

A strange and intense emotion surged inside Pei Xuan, making him frown tightly and his expression grow colder.

The raging feeling made Pei Xuan unable to resist acting.

Regardless of whether the person in front of him agreed or not, he tore open his clothes and stripped him naked, checking thoroughly to ensure his safety.

Gu Qingyan sensed the danger.

He quickly took out a box. “Is this what you mean?”

“That Left Protector was acting strange and gave me a bead to swallow. I pretended to swallow it but actually hid it inside my clothes.”

“The bead is here; I didn’t swallow it, so I shouldn’t be cursed.”

Inside the box lay a bright red bead.

Pei Xuan took the box and sniffed it carefully. “This is a piercing-heart gu, one of the gu insects the Taiping Sect uses to control their followers.”

He looked at Gu Qingyan in surprise. With the Taiping Sect’s usual methods, how could they not watch him swallow it?

Gu Qingyan couldn’t tell anyone how he had tricked the Left Protector.

He changed the subject, curious, “What happens if you actually swallow it?”

“You have to take an antidote every month. Without it, you’ll suffer excruciating, stabbing pain until your heart is eaten away.” Pei Xuan said gravely.

Just thinking that the Left Protector dared to use such a gu insect made his killing intent stronger.

No matter where that person was hiding, Pei Xuan would find him and tear him to pieces.

Gu Qingyan found it terrifying just to listen. “How could such a terrible thing exist? Does everyone in the Taiping Sect have these?”

It sounded very unscientific.

“No, only the Left Protector can control the gu insects in the Taiping Sect.”

“Rumor has it this person is from Miao territory. After joining the Taiping Sect, he became the sect leader’s right hand and has caused much trouble for the imperial court over the years.”

“The court has been hunting him, but he is extremely cunning and always manages to escape. Luckily, the gu insects themselves are rare.”

Gu Qingyan breathed a sigh of relief that not everyone could use them.

Suddenly, an idea popped into his head. “You said the piercing-heart gu needs an antidote every month. Now he must think I’m cursed and want to use me. So he’ll be sending me antidotes every month.”

“Why don’t we use me as bait to set a trap, wait for him to fall into it, and then snap.”

Gu Qingyan thought this plan was excellent.

Such a dangerous thing could kill people silently. Clearly, this villain was a cultist with an antisocial personality, and leaving him alive was a disaster.

But before he finished, Pei Xuan gave him a disapproving look.

“He usually lets you take such risks? Using your life as bait?”

Gu Qingyan was stunned for a moment before realizing what he meant.

“You… you admit you’re not really Pei Xuan?”

Pei Xuan sneered, “I am Pei Xuan, but not your big brother Pei.”

“So all that act of coquettishness and playing dumb with that other guy means nothing to me.”

He gave a contemptuous smile, showing he didn’t care at all.

Gu Qingyan was dumbfounded. When exactly did he act coquettish or dumb or flirtatious?

But he held back. This second personality of Pei Xuan was clearly wrong — bloodthirsty, cold, lacking human emotions. How could he understand the brotherly bond he had with the “big brother” Pei?

Don’t argue with fools, Gu Qingyan kept telling himself.

He got no response, and Pei Xuan frowned deeper. “Are you insulting me?”

Gu Qingyan shook his head vigorously, speaking politely, “Although you’re not big brother Pei, you protected me today when I was in danger, and I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart.”

Pei Xuan was surprised, but his icy expression visibly softened.

Gu Qingyan’s brows twitched. Same person, the same trick still worked.

He took Pei Xuan’s hand and looked him in the eye, saying carefully, “Thank you for saving me.”

Slap!

Pei Xuan slapped his hand away. “I told you, I don’t buy it.”

Gu Qingyan’s hand hurt on the back. He glared at him angrily.

When would Pei Xuan change back? Would he never return? Would he remain dark forever?

Seeing Gu Qingyan’s hand reddened, Pei Xuan felt some regret but sneered, “So delicate, almost like a woman.”

“You…” Gu Qingyan felt annoyed. This guy was so frustrating, so different from the warm-hearted, passionate “golden” big brother Pei. Not even the same species.

Pei Xuan ignored him and took out a flame from his sleeves.

The fire burned the red bead.

“Wait.” Gu Qingyan tried to stop him but was blocked.

“What are you doing? This thing still has use. It can be used as a trap. Why burn it?”

Pei Xuan said flatly, “He can sense the gu insect’s status. Unless you swallow it yourself, the trap won’t work.”

Gu Qingyan’s face darkened. Swallowing it was impossible. Just thinking about worms growing inside his belly gave him goosebumps.

Soon, the red bead burned completely.

“Destroyed so easily?” Gu Qingyan was surprised. He thought gu insects would be invincible to water and fire, impossible to kill so easily.

Pei Xuan explained, “Before a gu insect finds a host, it can be destroyed by sword, fire, or water. Burning it is the safest method.”

“Once it finds a host, unless you burn the host alive as well, even if the host dies, the gu insect will transform and continue searching for the next host.”

Thinking about that scene, Gu Qingyan got goosebumps all over.

He rubbed his arms: “Are you sure it’s completely burned?”

“Completely burned,” Pei Xuan said.

His gaze fell on Gu Qingyan, frowning.

Normally, Gu Qingyan would have hidden behind him and grabbed his arm for protection.

But now, he stopped just a step away—clearly scared, yet not coming closer.

Seeing Pei Xuan staring at him, Gu Qingyan felt his scalp tingle. “Why are you looking at me like that? I really didn’t swallow it.”

Pei Xuan lowered his eyes, hiding the displeasure in his heart. “Next time you encounter him, keep your distance if possible. This person’s methods are strange and unpredictable.”

After a pause, he added, “If you really get infected by the parasite, don’t be afraid. I will save you.”

Gu Qingyan asked curiously, “But earlier you said that if infected, unless the host and parasite both burn to death, the parasite will survive. Is there another way?”

Pei Xuan didn’t answer.

Gu Qingyan studied him and sighed when he realized Pei Xuan wasn’t going to reply.

Glancing at the ashes of the parasite, Gu Qingyan couldn’t help but ask, “What about the parasite inside you?”

Pei Xuan looked at him: “Who told you there’s a parasite inside me?”

“That Left Protector said you have some kind of bloodthirsty parasite. Once triggered, you become a bloodthirsty maniac, killing until you drop dead.” Gu Qingyan was stunned.

Pei Xuan sneered, “Nonsense spread by demons and weirdos. Don’t take it seriously.”

Gu Qingyan tightened his lips.

He couldn’t dismiss it so easily—the state Pei Xuan was in back then was terrifying, like he had completely lost reason and turned into a killing machine.

His eyes landed on Pei Xuan’s chest.

Because half his clothes were off, his chest was exposed, hanging two jade seals—one was the double-faced seal Pei Xuan had given earlier, the other was the Chi Hu (Horned Tiger) seal he had just hung on today.

Pei Xuan’s regained reason was thanks to the Chi Hu seal.

Gu Qingyan’s gaze was too direct; Pei Xuan couldn’t ignore it.

He pressed his palm against his chest, then deliberately turned around to face Gu Qingyan, allowing him to look openly.

The Chi Hu seal was small, hanging on his chest and trembling slightly. Whether it was because of his solid chest or the seal’s own luster, it seemed to emit a faint glow.

Gu Qingyan felt dizzy just looking at it.

He quickly looked away and shifted his gaze upward, meeting Pei Xuan’s half-smiling, half-smirking eyes.

For some reason, Gu Qingyan’s cheeks flushed hot as if he’d been caught red-handed.

He cleared his throat, trying to break the awkward, ambiguous atmosphere: “When will Brother Pei come back?”

Those words immediately wiped away Pei Xuan’s smile. The warmth in his eyes vanished, leaving only a cold gleam.

“He won’t come back,” Pei Xuan said lightly, as if it was something insignificant.

Gu Qingyan’s face darkened.

Pei Xuan’s expression turned malicious, his eyes like bottomless black holes. He stepped closer to Gu Qingyan, emitting a chilling aura.

“He won’t ever come back. He’s gone forever, vanished without a sound. No one in this world will remember him anymore.”

Closing in on Gu Qingyan, he lowered his head until their noses almost touched.

“He’s dead!”

Madness and strangeness shone in his deep eyes, clutching Gu Qingyan’s heart tightly. Despite the cruel words, a mocking smile played on his face.

“Tsk, don’t tell me you’re about to cry?” Pei Xuan’s voice was full of mockery.

“Tears won’t work on me. He’s dead, and he’ll never come back. You can hide and mourn slowly,” he added.

Gu Qingyan glared back, full of defiance and fighting spirit: “You’re lying. Brother Pei will come back.”

“Brother Pei’s will is firm, strong and unyielding. No one can occupy his body.”

“And I will never allow anyone to take over his body.”

Pei Xuan’s smile slowly faded, his gaze toward Gu Qingyan growing complicated and inscrutable.

For a moment, his expression turned extremely cold, leaving only endless darkness.

After a long silence, he gave a light laugh: “Ridiculous. Nonsense.”